While traveling in the 1980's locally and abroad and being involved in nongovernmental organizations and development projects, I was witness to the state of women's healthcare in different areas of the world and was inspired to be involved in women's health and wellness at home in my own community. I was drawn to the philosophy of midwifery and the focus on the health and wellness during the perinatal period. In the mid 1980's, midwifery was not a regulated profession in Alberta although much work had begun across Canada to regulate and implement midwifery. Many midwives were trained through apprenticeship programs and this is where I started my educational journey. In Edmonton the local midwives required a nursing background prior to being accepted into the midwifery practice, so I started my educational by first becoming a Registered Nurse. Once my nursing program was completed I was then able to focus my attention on my midwifery apprenticeship program and caring for my own, new family. Over the years I have blended midwifery and nursing and have gained so much from working in both capacities. I also love to teach and have continued to instruct a variety of courses that focus on maternity care and emergency care during labor and birth. What I love most about being a midwife are the relationships I develop with the families who I provide care for. This journey through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum is significant and I enjoy supporting and providing care though this major life transition.
I am currently on a Leave of Absence from active midwifery practice so I am able to make more time to spend with my own family and grandchildren.
I am currently on a Leave of Absence from active midwifery practice so I am able to make more time to spend with my own family and grandchildren.